Definition

1. Noun:
   • A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy: A feeling of tiredness or inertia, often pleasant or dreamy, that makes one unwilling to move or exert effort.
   • A state of inactivity or sluggishness: A lack of physical or mental activity; a condition of listlessness.
   • A feeling of dreamy relaxation or pleasant idleness: A comfortable, relaxed, and often lazy feeling, sometimes induced by warmth or comfort.
   • (Literary) A oppressive stillness or heaviness (as of the air or weather): A heavy, calm, and often sultry quietness.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The hot afternoon induced a pleasant languor, making it impossible to do any work.
  • After her illness, she was overcome by a general languor and spent days on the sofa.
  • There was a strange languor in the air before the storm.
  • He spoke with a languor that suggested complete disinterest in the topic.

Advanced Usage

• "Summer languor": Refers to the lazy, relaxed feeling associated with hot summer days.
  • The garden was steeped in a deep summer languor.
• "A languor of the spirit": A poetic way to describe a state of mental listlessness or melancholy.
  • A certain languor of the spirit kept him from pursuing his ambitions.

Variants and Related Words

• Languorous (adjective): Characterized by languor; slow, relaxed, and lacking energy.
  • She moved in a languorous manner.
• Languid (adjective): Lacking energy or vitality; slow and relaxed. (Note: "Languid" is a close synonym but often implies a more inherent slowness, while "languorous" often implies being languor.)
  • His languid wave suggested he couldn't be bothered.
• Languish (verb): To lose or lack vitality; to grow weak or feeble. To exist in an unpleasant or neglected state.
  • The plants languished in the drought.

Synonyms

• Lassitude: A state of physical or mental weariness.
• Lethargy: A lack of energy and enthusiasm.
• Listlessness: Lack of interest, energy, or spirit.
• Torpor: A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.
• Ennui: A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

Antonyms

• Energy: The capacity for vigorous activity.
• Vitality: The state of being strong and active.
• Liveliness: The quality of being full of life and energy.
• Vigor: Physical strength and good health.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To be sunk in languor": To be deeply immersed in a state of weariness or inactivity.
  • After the long journey, he was sunk in languor for the rest of the day.

Noun

1. inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy
   • the general appearance of sluggishness alarmed his friends
2. a feeling of lack of interest or energy
3. a relaxed comfortable feeling